JP2010107612A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily take out recording paper in an ejection tray provided in an image forming apparatus housing between an image reading part and an image forming part. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus 10, an image reader 12 is separated from an image forming section 14 and is arranged at the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10, and then the ejection tray T to which the recording paper is ejected is formed in space between the image reader 12 and the image forming section 14. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11, the image reader 12, a control panel PA, the ejection tray T, a manual feeding tray 13 and the image forming section 14. In the image forming apparatus 10, the control panel PA is actuated upward and an ejection tray movable section 150 of the ejection tray T is actuated downward in order to widen an opening of the ejection tray T. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a combination machine combining two or more of these, and more particularly, an image forming apparatus between an image reading unit and an image forming unit. The present invention relates to an in-cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus in which a discharge space for a recording medium is provided in a casing.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a combination machine combining two or more of them, which normally forms a toner image, an electrostatic latent image is usually formed on an image carrier such as a photosensitive member in an exposure process. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed by a development process to form a visible toner image, and the visible toner image is transferred to a recording medium such as a recording paper by a transfer process, or is temporarily transferred by an intermediate transfer belt or the like. The toner image transferred to the recording medium in the fixing process is fixed onto the recording medium (hereinafter referred to as recording paper). it can.

  In the fixing process, it is necessary to fix an unfixed toner image formed on a recording paper to make a permanent image, and a heat fixing method is widely used as the fixing method. In the heat fixing method, generally, a heating roller on the side where an unfixed toner image on the recording paper comes into contact and a pressure roller that conveys the recording paper with the heating roller interposed therebetween are provided, and the heating roller is a predetermined roller. By controlling this temperature, a fixed toner image is formed on the recording paper that has passed between these rollers. The recording paper on which the toner image is formed in this manner is discharged to a discharge tray or the like of the image forming apparatus.

  In many image forming apparatuses having an image reading unit (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a scanner), a scanner is disposed at an upper position of the image forming apparatus. In such an image forming apparatus, since there is a scanner above the image forming apparatus, a discharge tray for discharging the recording paper on which the image has been formed cannot be provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus. For this reason, a discharge tray is provided on the side surface of the image forming apparatus and the recording paper copied there or the recording paper on which the received content is recorded is discharged, or the scanner and the image forming unit are separated and arranged. There is an in-cylinder paper discharge type image forming apparatus in which a recording paper discharge space is formed between them to reduce the occupation area so that the discharge tray does not protrude from the side surface of the image forming apparatus.

  In image formation in which an image is formed by a digital method in recent years, such an in-body discharge type is widely used. The in-body discharge type image forming apparatus in which a discharge space is provided between the image reading unit and the image forming unit is more space-saving than the wing type in which the discharge tray is extended to the side of the image forming apparatus. Although excellent, since the recording paper is discharged inside, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the discharged recording paper and it is difficult for the user to take out the discharged recording paper. In particular, such a problem is remarkable when the discharged paper is small. In the case of a facsimile machine, there is also a risk that the user may not be aware that the received sheet has been discharged.

  In order to deal with such problems, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-173262 (Patent Document 1) arranges an image reading unit at the upper part of the apparatus and an image forming unit below the image reading unit, and creates an image with the image reading unit. Disclosed is a technique for easily removing a recording sheet and preventing forgetting to remove the recording sheet in an in-cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus in which a discharge section space is provided in an apparatus casing between the image section and the image section. The image forming apparatus is characterized by having means for automatically moving the stacked sheets in a direction away from the center of the apparatus after the image forming operation is completed and the discharged sheets are stacked.

  According to this image forming apparatus, the stacked sheets are automatically moved away from the center of the apparatus by automatically pulling out the sheet discharge tray to the front of the apparatus, so that it becomes very easy to take out the discharged sheets. As well as forgetting to remove the discharged paper.

JP 2002-173262 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, when a certain time has elapsed after the discharge of the recording paper is completed, the paper discharge tray with the stacked sheets is moved from the paper discharge unit to the front side of the apparatus. The motor is rotated to automatically pull out. That is, since it is necessary to move the paper discharge tray to the front side of the apparatus with a large number of recording papers stacked on the paper discharge tray, it is necessary to provide a motor with a large output depending on the number of recording papers stacked. In addition, bearings and rails are required to slide the paper discharge tray, and depending on the number of recording sheets loaded, it is necessary to provide bearings and rails with a large load resistance. Such a mechanism may increase the size and cost of the image forming apparatus.

  In view of this, the present invention provides an image reading unit and an image forming unit in which an image reading unit is arranged above the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit is arranged below the image reading unit, and a toner image is formed by the image forming unit. Is an in-cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus that discharges to a discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus casing, and is loaded on the discharge tray while suppressing an increase in size and cost of the image forming apparatus It is an object to provide an image forming apparatus in which a user can easily take out a recording medium.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the following image forming apparatus.
An image reading unit is arranged above the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit is arranged below the image reading unit, and a recording medium on which a toner image is formed by the image forming unit is an image between the image reading unit and the image forming unit. An in-cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus that discharges to a discharge tray provided in a forming apparatus housing, and a recording medium loaded on the discharge tray is taken out by a user from an opening of a housing,
The movable part which changes the height of the up-down direction of an opening part is provided.

  According to this image forming apparatus, when the user takes out the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus housing between the image reading unit and the image forming unit from the opening of the housing, the movable unit The height in the vertical direction of the opening is changed. At this time, for example, the height is changed. Therefore, the user can easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray. Such a movable part merely changes the height in the vertical direction of the opening, and does not move the discharge tray on which the recording medium is loaded. Since the machine members such as these are not particularly expensive or large, the increase in size and cost of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.

  The movable part can be configured to include a mechanism for moving the discharge side end of the discharge tray downward.

  When a user takes out the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus housing from the opening of the housing, the movable side moves the discharge tray end of the discharge tray downward so that the vertical direction of the opening The height is changed so as to increase. Therefore, the user can easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray.

  Further, the movable portion can be configured to include a mechanism for moving a part of the take-out side end portion of the discharge tray downward.

  When the user takes out the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus housing from the opening of the housing, at least a part of the discharge side end of the discharge tray is moved downward by the movable portion to open the recording medium. The height of at least a part of the part is changed so as to increase in the vertical direction. Therefore, the user can easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray. Furthermore, since a part of the discharge tray end portion does not move downward, when a recording medium of a different size is loaded on the discharge tray, a large recording medium is held by the discharge end portion that does not move downward. Therefore, it is possible to suppress dripping from the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus includes an operation panel above the opening,
The movable part can be configured to include a mechanism for moving the take-out side end of the discharge tray downward and a mechanism for moving the operation panel upward.

  When the user takes out the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus casing from the opening of the housing, the movable side moves the discharge tray end on the discharge tray downward and / or operates the recording medium. The panel is moved upward to change the height of the opening in the vertical direction. Therefore, the user can easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray.

  In this case, the movable portion can be configured to include a mechanism that operates in conjunction with a mechanism that moves the take-out side end of the discharge tray downward and a mechanism that moves the operation panel upward.

  When the user takes out the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus housing from the opening of the housing, the movable side moves the discharge side end of the discharge tray downward, and the operation panel The height is changed so that the height in the vertical direction of the opening increases. Therefore, the user can easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray.

  Further, the movable portion can be configured to include a mechanism for independently operating a mechanism for moving the take-out side end of the discharge tray downward and a mechanism for moving the operation panel upward.

  When the user takes out the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus housing from the opening of the housing, the movable tray moves the discharge tray end on the discharge tray downward, or moves the operation panel. The height is changed so that the height in the vertical direction of the opening increases. Therefore, the user can easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray. Furthermore, depending on the size of the recording medium and the height of the opening in the vertical direction, one of the take-out side end of the discharge tray and the operation panel can be actuated, or both can be actuated.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can be configured to further include a control unit that acquires the size of the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray and controls the movable unit based on the size of the discharged recording medium.

  When the user takes out the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus housing from the opening of the housing, for example, when the size of the discharged recording paper is small, the height of the opening in the vertical direction is reduced. Is changed to be larger. Therefore, the user can easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray and having a size that is difficult to take out.

  In this case, when the size of the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the control unit operates the movable unit to greatly change the vertical height of the opening. Can be configured.

  When the user takes out the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus housing from the opening of the housing and the size of the recording paper to be discharged is small, the movable portion takes out the end of the discharge tray. The part is moved downward and / or the operation panel is moved upward to change the height of the opening in the vertical direction. Therefore, the user can easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray and having a size that is difficult to take out.

Furthermore, the image forming apparatus
A recording medium detection sensor for detecting that the recording medium has been discharged to the discharge tray;
A long recording medium detection sensor for detecting that a long recording medium having a discharge direction length equal to or longer than a predetermined length is discharged to the discharge tray;
The control unit can be configured to control the movable unit based on the detection signal of the recording medium detection sensor and the detection signal of the long recording medium detection sensor.

  When the recording medium is detected in the discharge tray, the long recording medium detection sensor may not detect the recording medium even if the recording medium detection sensor detects the recording medium. Such a case is determined based on the detection signal. In such a case, since it can be determined that the recording medium is small, it is possible to easily take out a small recording medium by operating the movable portion to greatly change the vertical height of the opening.

  In this case, when the recording medium detection sensor detects the recording medium and the long recording medium detection sensor does not detect the recording medium, the control unit operates the movable part to raise the vertical height of the opening. Can be configured to change greatly.

  When the recording medium is detected in the discharge tray, the recording medium detection sensor detects the recording medium. At this time, the case where the long recording medium detection sensor does not detect the recording medium indicates that the recording medium is small. For this reason, in such a case, it is possible to easily take out a small recording medium by operating the movable portion to greatly change the vertical height of the opening.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image reading unit is disposed above the image forming apparatus, the image forming unit is disposed below the image reading unit, and the toner image is formed by the image forming unit. An in-cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus that discharges a medium to a discharge tray provided in an image forming apparatus housing between an image reading unit and an image forming unit, which increases the size and cost of the image forming apparatus. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can suppress and easily take out the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Entire configuration of image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 10, the image reading apparatus 12 and the image forming unit 14 are separated from each other, and the image reading apparatus 12 is disposed above the image forming apparatus 10. This is a so-called in-body discharge type image forming apparatus in which a discharge tray T for discharging recording paper is formed in a space in the housing of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11, an image reading device 12, an operation panel PA, a discharge tray T, a manual feed tray 13 (in a closed state in FIG. 1), and an image forming unit 14. Including. As shown by white arrows in FIG. 1, the most characteristic part of the image forming apparatus 10 is that the operation panel PA is located upward and the discharge tray movable part 150 of the discharge tray T is arranged to widen the opening of the discharge tray T. It is a point that operates downward.

  The automatic document feeder 11 can be opened and closed, and also serves as a cover that covers a document placed on a glass plate which is a document placement table of the image reading device 12. The operation panel PA is equipped with a liquid crystal display D in addition to a start key SW for instructing copy image formation and facsimile transmission, a key group K such as a numeric keypad for setting the number of image formations, and the like. The liquid crystal display unit D reflects key operations by the user, displays an instruction menu for the user, and displays information from an image forming unit 14 (described later in detail) that performs image formation.

  The image reading device 12 can optically read an image of a document placed stationary on the platen glass, and is conveyed from the document placing tray 11A by the automatic document feeder 11 to the document discharge tray 11B. It is also possible to optically read an image of a document that is discharged and moves along the glass plate for document panning of the image reading device 12 in the middle thereof.

  The image data read by the image reading device 12 is sent to an image forming unit for image formation, and is used for image formation there or for facsimile transmission. Image data transmitted from a computer (not shown) or the like is sent to the image forming unit and used for image formation there.

  The image forming unit forms a toner image on recording paper by an electrophotographic method. In the following description, the recording medium is assumed to be recording paper, and the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is assumed to be a multifunction peripheral capable of full-color copying. The image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be capable of forming images on both sides of a recording sheet. The present invention may be a tandem type full-color image forming apparatus, a monochrome image forming apparatus, or an in-cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 3 shows an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 in FIG. 3 is a so-called four-cycle color image forming apparatus. A mechanism (image forming unit 14) for forming an image on a recording sheet will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a drum-type photosensitive member 1 (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive member 1), and a charger 2, a developing device 4, an intermediate transfer belt 6, and a cleaning device 5 are arranged around the drum-type photosensitive member 1 in this order. An image exposure device 3 that exposes an image to the photosensitive member 1 from between the charger 2 and the developing device 4 is provided, and a recording paper that is supplied below the recording paper set on the manual feed tray 13 is supplied to the image forming unit. A supply unit 9 is provided. The recording paper is not limited to the paper set on the manual feed tray 13 and supplied to the image forming unit 14 via the recording paper supply unit 9, but from the paper supply unit provided in the image forming apparatus 10 to the image forming unit 14. It may be supplied.

  The photoreceptor 1 is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction in the figure by a photoreceptor drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive member charging voltage is applied to the charger 2 at a predetermined timing from a charging power source (not shown) whose output is variable.

  The developing device 4 has a developing device rack 40 mounted with a black developing device 4K, a cyan developing device 4C, a magenta developing device 4M, and a yellow developing device 4Y. The developing device rack 40 can be driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure by a driving unit (not shown) including a stepping motor. The developing devices are mounted on the developing device rack 40 in the order of black developing device 4K, cyan developing device 4C, magenta developing device 4M, and yellow developing device 4Y in the rack rotation direction at equal central angle intervals of 90 degrees.

  Black toner cartridge KC can be replaced with black developer unit 4K, cyan toner cartridge CC with cyan developer unit 4C, magenta toner cartridge MC with magenta developer unit 4M, and yellow toner cartridge YC with yellow developer unit 4Y. It is mounted on. Each developing device is equipped with a developing roller (toner carrier roller) 41 for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1. Each developing roller 41 has an elastic surface layer portion, for example.

  In addition to the developing roller 41, each developing device includes a toner supply roller that supplies toner to the developing roller 41, a toner regulating blade that regulates the layer thickness of the toner supplied from the toner supply roller on the developing roller 41, and the like. . Each developing device can reversely develop the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1 using negatively chargeable toner.

  Each developing device can be arranged at a developing position where the developing device 41 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1 by rotating the developing device rack 40. The developing roller 41 disposed at the developing position faces the surface of the photosensitive member 1, and a developing bias can be applied from a developing bias power source (not shown) whose output is variable. Further, the developing roller 41 arranged at the developing position can be driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing by a developing roller driving motor (not shown). Further, a toner supply bias can be applied to the toner supply roller from a power supply (not shown), and a regulation bias can be applied to the toner regulation blade.

  The intermediate transfer belt 6 is connected to a driving roller 61, a driven counter roller 62 opposite to the driving roller 61, a primary transfer roller 63 disposed opposite to the photosensitive member 1, and a primary transfer roller 63, so that the intermediate transfer belt 6 is attached to the photosensitive member 1. It is wound around a roller group composed of rollers 64 to be brought into contact with each other.

  A primary transfer voltage can be applied to the primary transfer roller 63 from a primary transfer power supply (not shown). The intermediate transfer belt 6 can be rotated counterclockwise by driving the drive roller 61 counterclockwise in the figure by a transfer belt drive motor (not shown).

  A secondary transfer roller 7 is disposed on a portion of the intermediate transfer belt 6 that is wound around the driving roller 61. The secondary transfer roller 7 is brought into contact with and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 6 at a predetermined timing. A secondary transfer voltage can be applied to the secondary transfer roller 7 from a secondary transfer power supply (not shown).

  A cleaning device 65 that removes and cleans secondary transfer residual toner and the like from the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 6 that is wound around the driven counter roller 62 is disposed. The cleaning device 65 is provided with a cleaning blade for removing, for example, secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 6.

  A fixing device 8 is provided above the secondary transfer roller 7, and a recording paper discharge roller pair R2 and a discharge tray T are sequentially provided on the downstream side thereof. The fixing device 8 includes a heating roller 81 on the side where the unfixed toner image on the recording paper S comes into contact, and a pressure roller 82 that conveys the recording paper with the heating roller 81 interposed therebetween. Below the secondary transfer roller 7, a pair of paper feed rollers R <b> 1 that conveys the recording paper supplied from the recording paper supply unit 9 to the secondary transfer roller 7 at a predetermined timing is disposed.

  According to the image forming apparatus 10 described above, on the recording sheet S using one or two or more of 4K, 4C, 4M, and 4Y developing devices under the instruction of a control unit (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). A toner image can be formed. An example in which a full color image is formed using four developing devices will be described below.

  First, the developing device rack 40 is rotated by a rack driving unit (not shown) so that the yellow developing device 4Y is disposed at a developing position where the developing roller 41 contacts the photoconductor 1, and the photoconductor 1 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the drawing. The intermediate transfer belt 6 is also rotated. At this stage, the secondary transfer roller 7 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 6.

  The surface of the rotating photoreceptor 1 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by a charger 2 to which a charging voltage is applied from a charging power source, and a yellow electrostatic latent image is formed from the image exposure device 3 in the charging area. The latent image is developed by the developing device 4Y to form a yellow toner image. The yellow toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 by a primary transfer roller 63 to which a primary transfer voltage is applied.

  Further, in the same manner as in the case of forming the yellow toner image, the magenta developing device 4M is arranged at the development position to form a magenta toner image on the photosensitive member 1, and this is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6, and then cyan. The developing unit 4C is arranged at the developing position to form a cyan toner image on the photosensitive member 1, and this is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6, and then the black developing unit 4K is arranged at the developing position and placed on the photosensitive member 1. A black toner image is formed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6. The formation of each color toner image on the photosensitive member 1 and the primary transfer onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 are performed at the timing when these toner images are superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6.

  On the other hand, when the recording paper is pulled out and supplied from the recording paper supply unit 9 by the paper feed roller pair R1, and the leading edge of the recording paper is detected by a timing sensor (not shown) on the exit side of the paper feed roller pair R1, the paper feed roller The pair R1 is stopped and the recording paper S is kept waiting there.

  Prior to the multiple toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 6 reaching the secondary transfer roller 7 by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 6, the secondary transfer roller 7 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 6 so that the multiple toner image is secondary. The recording paper is also fed into the secondary transfer area by the pair of paper feed rollers R1 at the timing of reaching the transfer area.

  Thus, the multiple toner image is secondarily transferred onto the recording paper S. The recording paper S to which the multiple toner images have been transferred is fixed on the toner image by the fixing device 8 and discharged to the discharge tray T by the recording paper discharge roller pair R2. Thus, the recording paper S on which a full color image is formed can be obtained.

  The primary transfer residual toner or the like on the photoreceptor 1 is removed and cleaned by the cleaning device 5, and the secondary transfer residual toner or the like on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is removed and cleaned by the cleaning device 65.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, it is easy for the user to notice that there is the recording paper (paper on which the toner image is formed) discharged to the discharge tray T, and it is easy to take out the recording paper. For the purpose of widening the opening of the discharge tray T, the operation panel PA is operated upward and the discharge tray movable portion 150 of the discharge tray T is operated downward as shown by the white arrow in FIG. Provide mechanism. Hereinafter, the discharge tray opening mechanism will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the movable operation panel PA is referred to as a movable operation panel 100.

[Configuration of discharge tray opening mechanism]
FIG. 4 schematically shows a discharge tray opening mechanism added to the cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge tray T in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a state where the discharge tray opening mechanism is not operating (a state where the opening of the discharge tray T is not widened), and FIG. 4B shows a state where the discharge tray opening mechanism is operating (discharge tray). The state in which the opening of T is widened) is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the recording paper S on which the toner image is fixed on the paper surface is discharged to the discharge tray T by the fixing device 8 of the image forming unit 14 as described above. . 4A and 4B, on the discharge tray T, recording paper having a short recording paper feeding direction (paper feeding direction) is indicated by a solid line and recording paper feeding direction (paper feeding direction) is long. The paper is indicated by dotted lines. Note that in the case of recording paper having a long recording paper feeding direction (paper passing direction) indicated by a dotted line, the state where the discharge tray opening mechanism is not activated (the opening of the discharge tray T is widened) in FIG. It is assumed that the user can easily recognize the recording paper even in the case where the recording paper is not) and can easily take out the recording paper.

  The movable operation panel 100 is supported by a gear 102 provided at the center of tilting so as to be tiltable (rotatable) in the arrow UP direction around the center of tilting. This gear 102 meshes with the rack 104. For this reason, when the rack 104 moves downward, the gear 102 rotates clockwise, and the movable operation panel 100 tilts in the arrow UP direction. Note that the width of the movable operation panel 100 that tilts may be about the width of the discharge tray T, and does not need to tilt over the entire width of the movable operation panel 100. Further, the tilt center (the position of the gear 102) may be near the upper right end of the movable operation panel 100 in FIG.

  The discharge tray movable portion 150 is supported by a gear 152 provided at the tilt center so as to be tiltable (rotatable) in the direction indicated by the arrow DN around the tilt center. The gear 152 is engaged with the rack 154. For this reason, when the rack 154 moves upward, the gear 152 rotates counterclockwise, and the discharge tray movable portion 150 tilts in the direction indicated by the arrow DN.

  The rack 104 that meshes with the gear 102 of the movable operation panel 100 and the rack 154 that meshes with the gear 152 of the discharge tray movable portion 150 are provided in parallel to each other with a gap therebetween, and the rack 104 and the rack 154 are provided in the gap. A drive gear 162 that meshes with the drive gear 162 is provided. The drive gear 162 is rotated by a tilting motor 160. The tilting motor 160 is a stepping motor controlled by, for example, a motor driver, and the tilting motor 160 rotates in a predetermined direction by a predetermined rotation angle in accordance with an operation command signal from a control unit described later to the motor driver.

  In the state shown in FIG. 4A, when the tilting motor 160 rotates the drive gear 162 counterclockwise, the rack 104 moves downward and the rack 154 moves upward. Since the rack 104 moves downward, the gear 102 rotates clockwise, the movable operation panel 100 tilts in the arrow UP direction, and the rack 154 moves upward, so the gear 152 rotates counterclockwise. Then, the discharge tray movable part 150 is tilted in the direction indicated by the arrow DN, and the state shown in FIG.

  As described above, the movable operation panel 100 and the discharge tray movable portion 150 in the discharge tray opening mechanism operate within the range of the non-operation state shown in FIG. 4A and the operation state shown in FIG. The operation ranges of the movable operation panel 100 and the discharge tray movable unit 150 are as follows. In the operating state shown in FIG. 4B, the user inserts his / her hand into the opening of the discharge tray T between the image reading device 12 and the image forming unit 14 (the wide opening of the discharge tray T), and the discharge tray The recording paper S discharged to T (the recording paper of the minimum size allowed by the image forming apparatus 10 and having an envelope with a short side in the paper passing direction, for example) can be easily taken out (the recording paper S is gripped). User's fist can be pulled out). In addition, the user can visually recognize the movable operation panel 100 and can operate the movable operation panel 100 in the range of the non-operation state shown in FIG. 4A and the operation state shown in FIG. That is, as described later, when the recording paper S is discharged to the discharge tray T, the movable operation panel 100 and the discharge tray movable portion 150 are operated from the state shown in FIG. 4A to the state shown in FIG. 4B. Even in this case, the user can visually recognize the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit D of the movable operation panel 100, and the user can operate the start key SW or the key group K of the movable operation panel 100.

  In order to operate the movable operation panel 100 and the discharge tray movable portion 150 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism in this way, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a recording sheet detection sensor 172 that detects the recording sheet S on the discharge tray T, and a discharge. A long recording paper detection sensor 170 for detecting the long recording paper S in the tray T is provided. The recording sheet detection sensor 172 is arranged so as to detect the recording sheet S having the minimum size (the minimum length in the sheet passing direction) allowed in the image forming apparatus 10. The positions of these sensors are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 4, and the recording paper detection sensor 172 is a long recording paper detection sensor at a position where the recording paper S can be detected on the discharge tray T. Reference numeral 170 may be disposed at a position where it can be detected that the long recording paper S is present on the discharge tray T.

[Control Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the control block of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 190 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 10 and a movable operation panel connected to an input port (not shown) of the control unit 190. 100 includes an IF (interface) 180, a long recording paper detection sensor 170 and a recording paper detection sensor 172, and a tilting motor driver 164 connected to an output port (not shown) of the control unit 190. Further, other signals are input to the control unit 190 via the input port of the control unit 190, and other signals are output from the control unit 190 via the output port of the control unit 190.

  A control structure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is a program executed by the control unit 190 of FIG. 5, and only a subroutine program part related to the operation control of the movable operation panel 100 and the discharge tray movable unit 150 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism. Is shown.

  In step (hereinafter, step is referred to as S) 1000, control unit 190 determines whether or not image formation has started. At this time, the control unit 190 determines whether or not image formation has started based on information input from the movable operation panel 100 by the user. If it is determined that image formation has started (YES in S1000), the process proceeds to S1010. Otherwise (NO in S1000), this process ends.

  In S1010, control unit 190 acquires the recording paper size. At this time, the control unit 190 acquires the length L in the sheet passing direction, which is the size of the recording sheet, based on information input from the movable operation panel 100 by the user.

  In S1020, control unit 190 determines whether or not detected length L of the recording sheet in the sheet passing direction is equal to or smaller than threshold value L (1). The threshold value L (1) at this time indicates that the recording paper is short enough to operate the movable operation panel 100 and the discharge tray movable portion 150 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism. If it is determined that the length L of the recording paper in the sheet passing direction ≦ threshold value L (1) (YES in S1020), the process proceeds to S1050. If not (NO in S1020), the process proceeds to S1030.

  In S1030, control unit 190 determines whether or not recording paper S is discharged to discharge tray T. At this time, the control unit 190 determines whether or not the recording paper S is discharged to the discharge tray T based on the signal input from the recording paper detection sensor 172. If it is determined that recording sheet S has been discharged to discharge tray T (YES in S1030), the process proceeds to S1040. If not (NO in S1030), the process returns to S1030 and waits until the recording paper S is discharged to the discharge tray T.

  In S1040, the control unit 190 determines whether or not the long recording paper S is discharged to the discharge tray T. At this time, the control unit 190 determines whether or not the long recording sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray T based on the signal input from the long recording sheet detection sensor 170. If it is determined that long recording paper S has been discharged to discharge tray T (YES in S1040), this process ends. Otherwise (NO in S1040), the process proceeds to S1050.

  In S1050, control unit 190 operates tilting motor 160. At this time, the control unit 190 outputs an operation command signal (for example, +5 V) to the tilting motor driver 164. The tilting motor driver 164 that has received such an operation command signal rotates the tilting motor 160 and rotates the drive gear 162 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. To the state of FIG.

  In the case of returning from the state of FIG. 4B to the state of FIG. 4A, for example, the control unit 190 outputs an operation command signal (for example, −5V) to the tilting motor driver 164, and this The tilting motor driver 164 that has received such an operation command signal rotates the tilting motor 160 to rotate the drive gear 162 in the rotation direction (clockwise) opposite to the rotation direction shown in FIG. What should I do?

[Control operation of discharge tray opening mechanism]
The operation of the discharge tray opening mechanism (movable operation panel 100 and discharge tray movable portion 150 that operate in conjunction with each other) of image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described. In the following, the copying operation will be described. However, even in the facsimile receiving operation for forming the received image information on the recording paper, it is the same as the following copying operation except that the recording paper size is determined based on the received information. It is.

  For example, when the automatic document feeder 11 is used as a cover, the automatic document feeder 11 is opened, and the document is placed on the document table glass on the upper surface of the image reading device 12. After closing the automatic document feeder 11 (which is also a cover that covers a document placed on a glass plate, which is a document placement table of the image reading device 12), the movable operation panel 100 designates the recording paper size, the number of copies, and the like. Depress start key SW (YES in S1000). In addition to the control of the discharge tray opening mechanism described above, reading of a document by a scanner which is the image reading device 12 is started, and image information of the read document is digitized by photoelectric conversion and image processing is performed. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 1 by the image exposure device 3 based on the processed signal. The electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image and transferred to the recording paper S. The toner image transferred onto the recording paper S is fixed by the fixing device 8 and an image is formed so as to be discharged onto the discharge tray T.

  Along with this image formation, the length L of the recording sheet S in the sheet passing direction is acquired (S1010), and the length L of the recording sheet S in the sheet passing direction is equal to or less than the threshold value L (1) (S1020 YES), it is determined that the operation of the discharge tray opening mechanism is necessary. In this case, an operation command signal (for example, + 5V) is output to the tilting motor driver 164, and the tilting motor driver 164 rotates the tilting motor 160 to drive the driving gear 162 as shown in FIG. Is rotated counterclockwise to bring the discharge tray opening mechanism into the state shown in FIG.

  When the length L of the recording sheet S is acquired (S1010) and the length L of the recording sheet S is larger than the threshold value L (1) (NO in S1020). It is once determined that the operation of the discharge tray opening mechanism is not necessary. In this case, when recording sheet S is actually discharged to discharge tray T (YES in S1030), long recording sheet S is detected by long recording sheet detection sensor 170 (YES in S1040). In this case, it is acquired that the recording sheet is a recording sheet having a length L in the sheet passing direction (S1010), and the long recording sheet is discharged to the discharge tray T as shown in FIG. ) Even when the discharge tray opening mechanism is not activated (the opening of the discharge tray T is not widened), the user can easily notice the recording paper and easily take out the recording paper. .

  However, if the length L of the recording sheet S in the sheet passing direction is larger than the threshold value L (1) (NO in S1020), it is once determined that the operation of the discharge tray opening mechanism is not necessary. In addition, when the recording paper S is actually discharged to the discharge tray T (YES in S1030), it may be assumed that the long recording paper S is not detected by the long recording paper detection sensor 170 (NO in S1040). . In this case, the recording sheet size acquired based on the information input from the movable operation panel 100 has a sheet passing direction length L longer than L (1), but the sheet is actually discharged to the discharge tray T. The recorded recording sheet is a recording sheet having a short length L in the sheet passing direction (at least not detected by the long recording sheet detection sensor 170). In this case, in FIG. 4A, when the discharge tray opening mechanism is not activated (when the opening of the discharge tray T is not widened), the user does not easily notice the recording paper and can easily take out the recording paper. Therefore, the discharge tray opening mechanism is activated (S1050).

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the length of the recording paper discharged in the discharge tray is short, the discharge tray opening mechanism (the movable operation panel that operates in conjunction with each other). 100 and the discharge tray movable part 150) are actuated to widen the discharge opening of the discharge tray T. For this reason, the user can easily notice the recording paper that is difficult to visually recognize, and can easily take out the recording paper that is difficult to take out. In particular, it does not actuate the discharge tray on which the discharged recording paper is loaded, but only widens the takeout opening of the discharge tray T, so that a large output is not required for the tilting motor.

  Note that the process of S1050 may be performed after the recording paper S is discharged to the discharge tray T (after the recording paper S is detected by the recording paper discharge sensor 172). Furthermore, the timing of returning the operated discharge tray opening mechanism (the state of FIG. 4B) to the original state (the state of FIG. 4A) is, for example, that the sheet passing direction length L is L (1 After the image formation using the following recording paper is performed, the recording paper (a recording paper for a plurality of jobs may be mixed) is taken out from the discharge tray T.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the processing of S1030 to S1050 may be performed after the processing of S1000 (without performing the processing of S1010 and S1020). That is, the control unit 190 is a case where the recording paper detection sensor 172 detects that the recording paper is discharged to the discharge tray T, and the long recording paper detection sensor 170 does not detect the recording paper (that is, the discharge tray). When the length of the recording sheet discharged in the sheet feeding direction is short), the discharge tray opening mechanism is activated.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same basic configuration (image reading apparatus, image forming unit) as that of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description using FIGS. 1 to 3 will not be repeated here.

  The discharge tray opening mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment described above includes the movable operation panel 100 and the discharge tray movable portion 150 that operate in conjunction with each other. However, the image formation according to the present embodiment is performed. The discharge tray opening mechanism of the apparatus is different in that it includes a movable operation panel 200 and a discharge tray movable portion 250 that operate independently of each other. Hereinafter, this different point will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 described above, and shows only the portion of the discharge tray opening mechanism. FIG. 7 schematically shows the discharge tray opening mechanism. FIG. 7A shows a state where the discharge tray opening mechanism is not operating (a state where the opening portion of the discharge tray T is not widened), and FIG. 7B shows a state where the discharge tray opening mechanism is operating (discharge tray). The state in which the opening of T is widened) is shown. In FIG. 7B, both the movable operation panel 200 and the discharge tray movable portion 250 that operate independently are operating.

  The movable operation panel 200 is supported by a drive gear 202 provided at the center of tilting so as to be tiltable (rotatable) in the arrow UP direction around the center of tilting. The rotational shaft of the drive gear 202 is connected to the rotational shaft of the tilting motor (1) 260 so that the rotational force from the tilting motor (1) 260 can be transmitted. When the drive gear 202 is rotated clockwise by the tilting motor (1) 260, the movable operation panel 200 is tilted in the arrow UP direction.

  The discharge tray movable portion 250 is supported by a drive gear 252 provided at the tilt center so as to be tiltable (rotatable) in the direction of the arrow DN around the tilt center. The rotational shaft of the drive gear 252 is connected to the rotational shaft of the tilting motor (2) 262 so that the rotational force from the tilting motor (2) 262 can be transmitted. When the drive gear 252 is rotated counterclockwise by the tilting motor (2) 262, the discharge tray movable unit 250 tilts in the direction indicated by the arrow DN.

  The tilting motor (1) 260 and the tilting motor (2) 262 are stepping motors controlled by a motor driver, for example, similar to the tilting motor 160, and an operation command signal from the control unit described later to the motor driver. Accordingly, the tilting motor (1) 260 and the tilting motor (2) 262 rotate in a predetermined direction by a predetermined rotation angle.

  In the state shown in FIG. 7A, when the tilting motor (1) 260 rotates the drive gear 202 in the clockwise direction, the movable operation panel 100 tilts in the arrow UP direction, and tilting is not performed in conjunction with this operation. When the motor (2) 262 rotates the drive gear 252 counterclockwise, the discharge tray movable portion 250 tilts in the direction indicated by the arrow DN, and the state shown in FIG.

  As described above, the movable operation panel 200 and the discharge tray movable portion 250 in the discharge tray opening mechanism are independently (interlocked) within the range of the non-operation state shown in FIG. 7A and the operation state shown in FIG. The operation range of the movable operation panel 200 and the discharge tray movable unit 250 is as follows. When one of the movable operation panel 200 and the discharge tray movable portion 250 is activated, the user can manually access the opening portion of the discharge tray T between the image reading device 12 and the image forming portion 14 (the opening between the wide discharge tray T). , And the recording paper S discharged to the discharge tray T (the recording paper having the minimum size allowed by the image forming apparatus) can be easily taken out (the fist of the user holding the recording paper S can be pulled out). In addition, the movable operation panel 200 can be visually recognized by the user and the movable operation panel 200 can be operated in the non-operating state shown in FIG. 7A and the operating state shown in FIG. 7B. That is, as will be described later, when the recording paper S is discharged to the discharge tray T, at least one of the movable operation panel 200 and the discharge tray movable portion 250 from the state shown in FIG. 7A to the state shown in FIG. Even in this case, the user can visually recognize the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display portion D of the movable operation panel 200, and the user can operate the start key SW or the key group K of the movable operation panel 200.

  Further, the discharge tray movable portion 250 is easier to operate than the movable operation panel 200, and the problem of visibility or operability of the movable operation panel 200 does not occur. For this reason, based on the size of the recording paper discharged to the discharge tray T, the discharge tray movable portion 250 is preferentially operated, and the discharge tray is movable when the recording paper has a shorter length L in the paper passing direction. It is also preferable to operate the movable operation panel 200 in addition to the part 250.

  FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment corresponding to FIG. 5 described above. In the control block diagram shown in FIG. 8, the description of the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 5 will not be repeated here.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the control block of the image forming apparatus replaces the tilting motor driver 164 shown in FIG. 5 with a tilting motor (1) driver 264 that controls the tilting motor (1) 260 and the tilting motor driver 164. A tilting motor (2) driver 266 for controlling the motor (2) 262 is connected to the output port of the control unit 190.

  A control structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is a program executed by the control unit 190 of FIG. 8 and only a subroutine program part related to the operation control of the movable operation panel 200 and the discharge tray movable unit 250 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism. Is shown. Also, the description of the same processing as that shown in FIG. 6 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 will not be repeated here.

  In S2000, control unit 190 operates tilting motor (2) 262. At this time, the control unit 190 outputs an operation command signal (for example, +5 V) to the tilting motor (2) driver 266. The tilting motor (2) driver 266 having received such an operation command signal rotates the tilting motor (2) 262 to rotate the drive gear 252 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. Thus, only the discharge tray movable portion 250 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism is set to the state shown in FIG.

  In S2010, control unit 190 determines whether or not operation of tilting motor (1) 260 is necessary. At this time, for example, when the length L of the recording sheet S in the sheet passing direction is shorter, the control unit 190 operates the tilting motor (1) 260 in addition to the operation of the tilting motor (2) 262. Can be determined. If it is determined that the operation of tilting motor (1) 260 is necessary (YES in S2010), the process proceeds to S2020. Otherwise (NO in S2010), this process ends.

  In S2020, control unit 190 operates tilting motor (1) 260. At this time, the control unit 190 outputs an operation command signal (for example, +5 V) to the tilting motor (1) driver 264. The tilting motor (1) driver 264 that has received such an operation command signal rotates the tilting motor (1) 260 and rotates the driving gear 202 clockwise as shown in FIG. Then, the movable operation panel 200 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism is set to the state shown in FIG.

  The operation of the discharge tray opening mechanism (movable operation panel 200 and discharge tray movable portion 250 that operate independently of each other) of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described. It should be noted that the description of the same operation as that of the first embodiment described above will not be repeated here for the description of the following operation.

  When the length L of the recording sheet S is less than or equal to the threshold value L (1) (YES in S1020), or the acquired recording sheet size has a length L in the sheet passing direction of L (1). However, when the recording sheet actually discharged to the discharge tray T is a recording sheet having a short length L in the sheet passing direction (at least not detected by the long recording sheet detection sensor 170) (NO in S1020). , NO in S1040), it is determined that the operation of the discharge tray opening mechanism is necessary. In this case, an operation command signal (for example, +5 V) is output to the tilting motor (2) driver 266, and the tilting motor (2) driver 266 rotates the tilting motor (2) 262, so that FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, the drive gear 252 is rotated counterclockwise so that only the discharge tray movable portion 250 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism is brought into the state shown in FIG. 7B (S2000).

  Further, when the length L of the recording sheet S is particularly short, it is determined that the movable operation panel 200 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism needs to be operated (YES in S2010). In this case, an operation command signal (for example, + 5V) is output to the tilting motor (1) driver 264, and the tilting motor (1) driver 264 rotates the tilting motor (1) 260 to perform the operation shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, the drive gear 202 is rotated clockwise to bring the movable operation panel 200 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism into the state shown in FIG. 7B (S2020).

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the length of the recording paper discharged in the discharge tray is short, the discharge tray movable unit 250 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism is activated. As a result, the outlet of the discharge tray T is widened. In addition to this, if the length of the recording paper discharged in the discharge tray is particularly short, the movable operation panel 200 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism is also activated, and the discharge opening of the discharge tray T is further expanded. For this reason, the user can easily notice the recording paper that is difficult to visually recognize, and can easily take out the recording paper that is difficult to take out. Since the discharge tray movable portion is operated with priority over the movable operation panel, the visibility and operability of the movable operation panel can be ensured.

  When returning the state of FIG. 7B to the state of FIG. 7A, for example, the control unit 190 instructs the tilting motor (1) driver 264 and the tilting motor (2) driver 266 to operate. The tilting motor (1) driver 264 and the tilting motor (2) driver 266, which output a signal (for example, −5V) and receive such an operation command signal, are connected to the tilting motor (1) 260 and the tilting motor. (2) The drive gear 202 and the drive gear 252 may be rotated in the rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction shown in FIG.

  Further, in the above-described flowchart, the discharge tray movable unit 250 is operated preferentially, and the movable operation panel 200 is operated in addition to the discharge tray movable unit 250 in the case of recording paper having a shorter sheet passing direction length L. However, it is also preferable to do the following. When a recording sheet having a short length in the sheet passing direction and a long sheet are mixed and stacked on the discharge tray T, when the discharge tray movable unit 250 is operated, the long recording sheet hangs from the discharge tray T. There is a possibility of falling. Therefore, in such a case, only the movable operation panel 200 is operated in order to facilitate the removal of the discharged recording paper within a range where visibility and operability do not become obstacles, and the discharge tray T It is also possible to prevent the long recording paper from dripping down.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment has the same basic configuration (image reading apparatus and image forming unit) as the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description using a part of FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2 and 3 will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, and shows a perspective view corresponding to FIG. Similar to the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 20 is a so-called in-body discharge type image forming apparatus. The most characteristic part of the image forming apparatus 20 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 10 in that the operation panel PA is operated upward to widen the opening of the discharge tray as shown by white arrows in FIG. However, only a part of the discharge tray operates downward.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge tray of the image forming apparatus 20 includes a fixed discharge tray fixing portion T (1) and a discharge tray movable portion T (2) tilting downward. The discharge tray fixing portion T (1) has a width that can stably hold a long recording sheet. The discharge tray movable part T (2) has the same configuration and control structure as the discharge tray movable part 150 according to the first embodiment or the discharge tray movable part 250 according to the second embodiment. Note that the portion of the fixed discharge tray fixing portion T (1) may be tilted downward to fix the discharge tray movable portion T (2) tilting downward.

  According to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when a recording sheet having a short length in the sheet passing direction and a long sheet are mixed and stacked on the discharge tray, the discharge tray movable unit T (2) is operated. Even if it is made (even if it lowers in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 10), the discharge tray fixing portion T (1) does not move and maintains the form as it is. For this reason, since the long recording paper discharged even when the discharge tray movable portion T (2) is operated is held by the discharge tray fixing portion T (1), the long recording paper hangs from the discharge tray. It can suppress falling.

<Fourth embodiment>
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same basic configuration (image reading apparatus, image forming unit) as that of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description using FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 or 7 described above, and shows only the portion of the discharge tray opening mechanism. FIG. 11 schematically shows the discharge tray opening mechanism. FIG. 11A shows a state where the discharge tray opening mechanism is not operating (a state where the opening of the discharge tray T is not widened), and FIG. 11B shows a state where the discharge tray opening mechanism is operating (discharge tray). The state in which the opening of T is widened) is shown. In FIG. 11B, both the movable operation panel 300 and the discharge tray movable portion 150 that operate in conjunction with each other are operated. The discharge tray movable part 150 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the discharge tray movable part 150 constituting the discharge tray opening mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is. Hereinafter, the movable operation panel 300 having a structure different from the structure in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the movable operation panel 300 includes a fan-shaped gear 302 that meshes with the rack 304 on the non-operation side (back side). When the fan-shaped gear 302 is operated by the rack 304, the movable operation panel 300 is supported so as to be tiltable (rotatable) in the direction of the arrow UP around a rotation shaft (not shown) provided at the center of tilting. . The sector gear 302 meshes with the rack 304. For this reason, when the rack 304 moves downward, the sector gear 302 rotates in the clockwise direction, and the movable operation panel 300 tilts in the arrow UP direction.

  A driving gear 162 provided in a gap between a rack 304 that meshes with the fan-shaped gear 302 of the movable operation panel 300 and a rack 154 that meshes with the gear 152 of the discharge tray movable portion 150, and a tilting motor 160 that rotates the driving gear 162. Is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

  According to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, similarly to the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the user can easily notice the recording paper that is difficult to visually recognize, and easily the recording paper that is difficult to take out. Can be taken out.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that the movable operation panel 300 and the discharge tray movable portion 150 operate in conjunction with each other. However, as in the second embodiment, the movable operation panel 300, the discharge tray movable portion 150, and the like. May operate independently.

<Modification>
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the discharge tray opening mechanism of the image forming apparatus is configured by the movable operation panel and the discharge tray movable portion that tilt or rotate. (A horizontal slide movement in a substantially horizontal direction or a vertical slide movement in a substantially vertical direction).
(2) When a recording sheet having a short length in the sheet passing direction and a long sheet are mixed and stacked on the discharge tray T, when the discharge tray movable unit is operated, a long recording sheet is discharged from the discharge tray T. May droop. In such a case, it is possible to prevent the long recording paper from dripping completely from the image forming apparatus by opening the manual feed tray and holding the leading edge of the long paper by the manual feed tray.
(3) A modification in which the discharge tray opening mechanisms in the first to fourth embodiments described above are appropriately combined may be used.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a discharge tray opening mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a control block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed by the control part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the discharge tray opening mechanism in the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a control block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed by the control part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the discharge tray opening mechanism in the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor 2 Charger 3 Image exposure apparatus 4 Developing device 5, 65 Cleaning device 6 Intermediate transfer belt 8 Fixing device 10, 20 Image forming device 11 Automatic document feeder 12 Image reading device 13 Manual feed tray 14 Image forming unit 100, 200 , 300 Movable operation panel 102, 152 Gear 104, 154, 304 Rack 150, 250 Unloading tray movable part 160 Tilt motor 162, 202, 252 Drive gear 164 Tilt motor driver 170 Long recording paper detection sensor 172 Recording paper detection sensor 180 Operation panel IF
190 Control unit 260 Tilt motor (1)
262 Motor for tilting (2)
264 Tilt Motor (1) Driver 266 Tilt Motor (2) Driver 302 Fan Gear

Claims (10)

An image reading unit is arranged above the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit is arranged below the image reading unit, and a recording medium on which a toner image is formed by the image forming unit is formed on the image reading unit and the image forming unit. An in-cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus that discharges to a discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus casing between the recording medium loaded on the discharge tray by the user from the opening of the housing,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a movable portion that changes a height of the opening in the vertical direction.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable portion includes a mechanism for moving a take-out side end portion of the discharge tray downward.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable portion includes a mechanism for moving a part of the take-out side end portion of the discharge tray downward. The image forming apparatus includes an operation panel above the opening,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable portion includes a mechanism that moves a take-out side end of the discharge tray downward and a mechanism that moves the operation panel upward.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movable portion includes a mechanism that operates a mechanism that moves the take-out side end portion of the discharge tray downward and a mechanism that moves the operation panel upward.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movable portion includes a mechanism that independently operates a mechanism that moves the take-out side end of the discharge tray downward and a mechanism that moves the operation panel upward.   The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit that acquires a size of the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray and controls the movable unit based on the size of the discharged recording medium. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6.   The control unit operates the movable unit to greatly change the vertical height of the opening when the size of the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. Item 8. The image forming apparatus according to Item 7. The image forming apparatus includes:
A recording medium detection sensor for detecting that the recording medium is discharged to the discharge tray;
A long recording medium detection sensor for detecting that a long recording medium having a discharge direction length equal to or longer than a predetermined length is discharged to the discharge tray;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the movable unit based on a detection signal of the recording medium detection sensor and a detection signal of the long recording medium detection sensor.   When the recording medium detection sensor detects the recording medium and the long recording medium detection sensor does not detect the recording medium, the control unit operates the movable part to increase the vertical height of the opening. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the height is greatly changed.

Images